Africa’s Eden and Fair Trade Tourism Join Forces to Advance Responsible Tourism in Southern Africa

2 June 2025

Africa’s Eden and Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively promote responsible, inclusive, and sustainable tourism practices across Southern Africa.

This regional partnership follows the recent agreement signed between FTT and SATSA, reinforcing the shared commitment across the Southern African tourism industry to embed ethical and sustainable practices at every level of the travel value chain.

The MoU between Africa’s Eden and FTT outlines a framework for close cooperation – ranging from bi-monthly webinars and co-branded educational content, to the joint promotion of responsible tourism certification and support for businesses implementing best practices. The partnership aims to build capacity, provide tools, and open market access for operators across the region committed to social justice, environmental stewardship, and authentic travel experiences.

“Our collaboration with Fair Trade Tourism builds on the momentum of our broader network’s commitment to ethical tourism,” said Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden. “This partnership gives our members access to practical support and a community of like-minded businesses working towards a more equitable future for tourism in Africa.”

Grace Stead, General Manager of FTT, added: “We’re excited to deepen our engagement in Southern Africa through this partnership with Africa’s Eden. Together, we can amplify the impact of responsible tourism, support businesses of all sizes, and celebrate those already leading the way.”

This partnership marks another important step toward aligning tourism growth with sustainability goals, national frameworks, and the evolving expectations of global travellers.